plural of יְרִיעָה; curtains; Jerioth, an Israelitess; Jerioth.
Transliteration:Yᵉrîyʻôwth
Pronunciation:yer-ee-ohth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְרִיעוֹת (Yᵉrîyʻôwth, `{{H3408}}`) is the plural form of יְרִיעָה (yᵉrîyʻâh, `{{H3407}}`). Its primary and most frequent meaning is "curtains." This term specifically refers to the woven panels that formed the walls and roof of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary of ancient Israel. These were not mere utilitarian cloths but intricately designed and highly symbolic components of a sacred structure. The semantic range extends to general tent-curtains, implying a sense of covering, enclosure, or the fabric of a dwelling. A distinct, secondary usage of יְרִיעוֹת is as a proper noun, "Jerioth," which refers to an individual, though this occurrence is rare and separate from the primary meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The vast majority of occurrences of יְרִיעוֹת in the Hebrew Bible refer to the "curtains" of the Tabernacle.
In **Exodus**, the word appears extensively in chapters detailing the construction of the Tabernacle. [[Exodus 26:1]] specifies, "Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, you shall make them." Similarly, [[Exodus 36:8]] reiterates the craftsmanship involved. These passages underscore the precise divine instructions for the Tabernacle's components, emphasizing the sanctity and divine origin of the dwelling place. The detailed descriptions of materials (fine linen, gold, blue, purple, scarlet) and dimensions highlight the meticulousness required for God's sacred space.
In **Numbers**, יְרִיעוֹת appears in contexts related to the Tabernacle's maintenance and transport, such as [[Numbers 3:26]], where the Merarites were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains.
The prophet **Isaiah** employs the term metaphorically in [[Isaiah 54:2]]: "Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your ropes and strengthen your pegs." Here, יְרִיעוֹת refers to tent curtains, symbolizing the expansion and prosperity of God's people, particularly in the context of restoration and growth, signifying a future of blessing and proliferation for Israel.
In **Jeremiah**, [[Jeremiah 4:20]] laments, "My tents are plundered, and my curtains are torn." This refers to the destruction of dwellings, likely symbolizing the devastation of Judah during the Babylonian invasion.
The sole occurrence of "Jerioth" as a proper noun is found in [[1 Chronicles 2:18]], identifying her as a wife of Caleb. This usage is distinct from the primary meaning of "curtains."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3407}}` יְרִיעָה (yᵉrîyʻâh):** The singular form of יְרִיעוֹת, directly meaning "curtain." It shares the same core semantic range and is often used interchangeably, particularly in descriptions of the Tabernacle.
* **`{{H168}}` אֹהֶל (ʼōhel):** "Tent, dwelling." The יְרִיעוֹת are integral components of an אֹהֶל, especially the Tabernacle, which is frequently referred to as the "tent of meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד). The curtains define and enclose the sacred space of the tent.
* **`{{H4908}}` מִשְׁכָּן (mishkān):** "Dwelling place, Tabernacle." The יְרִיעוֹת form the very fabric and structure of the מִשְׁכָּן, the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh among His people. The intricate details of these curtains emphasize the holiness and majesty of this divine abode.
* **`{{H6537}}` פָּרֹכֶת (pārōkheth):** "Veil, curtain." While יְרִיעוֹת generally refers to the main outer curtains of the Tabernacle, פָּרֹכֶת specifically designates the inner veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 26:31-33]]). Both are "curtains" but serve distinct, specialized functions within the sacred complex.
* **Holiness and Separation:** The curtains of the Tabernacle served a crucial role in delineating sacred space, separating the holy from the common and providing a visual representation of God's presence, emphasizing the need for reverent approach.
### Theological Significance
The יְרִיעוֹת of the Tabernacle hold profound theological significance, primarily related to God's presence and holiness.
* **Divine Presence and Dwelling:** The יְרִיעוֹת were the physical manifestation of God's desire to dwell among His people ([[Exodus 25:8]]). Their construction according to precise divine commands underscores God's meticulousness in establishing the means of His presence and His desire for intimate fellowship with humanity.
* **Holiness and Awe:** The elaborate materials (fine linen, gold, blue, purple, scarlet) and the skilled craftsmanship of the Tabernacle's curtains ([[Exodus 26:1-6]]) were designed to convey the immense holiness and majesty of the God who dwelt within. They were not merely functional but beautiful, inspiring awe and reverence in those who beheld or approached the sacred space.
* **Symbol of Protection and Enclosure:** As coverings, the יְרִיעוֹת provided a physical barrier, symbolizing God's protective presence over His people and the sacred space. They shielded the divine presence from unholy gaze, mediating access and emphasizing the distinctness of the holy.
* **Prophetic Imagery of Expansion:** The metaphorical use of "stretching out the curtains" in [[Isaiah 54:2]] transcends the physical Tabernacle, speaking to the future expansion of God's people and His kingdom. This imagery transforms a physical dwelling into a spiritual promise of growth, fruitfulness, and the widening of God's covenant blessings to include many, prefiguring the growth of the Church and the ingathering of nations.
* **Typological Connection to Christ:** In Christian theology, the Tabernacle and its components, including the יְרִיעוֹת, are often understood as types pointing to Christ. Just as the יְרִיעוֹת enclosed God's presence, Christ's human body became the ultimate dwelling place of God ([[John 1:14]], "the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us"). The tearing of the temple veil (`{{H6537}}` pārōkheth) at Christ's death ([[Matthew 27:51]]) powerfully signifies the open and direct access to God made possible through His sacrifice, fulfilling and transcending the symbolic function of the Tabernacle's coverings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְרִיעוֹת (Yᵉrîyʻôwth, `{{H3408}}`), the plural of יְרִיעָה (`{{H3407}}`), primarily denotes "curtains," most notably those meticulously fashioned for the Tabernacle. These יְרִיעוֹת were not mere architectural components but divinely prescribed elements that formed the very dwelling place (`{{H4908}}` mishkān) of God among Israel. Their detailed description in [[Exodus]] highlights God's holiness, His desire for a dwelling among His people, and the sacredness of the space. Beyond their literal function in the Tabernacle, יְרִיעוֹת are used metaphorically in [[Isaiah 54:2]] to signify the glorious expansion and blessing of God's people, stretching out their dwelling places. While also appearing once as the proper name "Jerioth" ([[1 Chronicles 2:18]]), its profound theological weight overwhelmingly rests on its connection to the Tabernacle, symbolizing divine presence, holiness, protection, and the expansive nature of God's covenant promises, ultimately pointing to the spiritual reality of God's presence and His ultimate provision for access through Christ.
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